Uy
MEMORANDUM MAR 3 4930

TO: Mayor and Council February 29th, 1980

_ FROM: L.D. Pollock, °
City Administrator

Financing of Drainage Improvements - Agricultural Area
Agriculture and Rural Development Subsidiary Agreement

Council may be familiar with the Federal ARDA Program which
has been in ef£cet for a number of years and has been used ta finance
certain Agricultural development schemes. This has been modified and
is now called "ARDSA" and part of its function is to assist in financing
irrigation projects and drainage projects in Agricultural Areas. It may
be possible under this program to get financial assistance for our
required internal drainage works in the Agricultural area. The program
works on a cost sharing basis with 75% of the cost heing born by the
Federal and Provincial Governments and 25% by the Municipality.

I have had preliminary discussions with the Provincial ARDSA
Office in Victoria and all they require initially is an application
from the City setting out the area involved and the extent of the problem.
Tne Province then undertakes a feasibility study and a cost benefit
analysis of the project to determine whether or not it is economically
viabie. If the project appears feasible the Province then undertakes
engineering and design of the project for implementation. The schenie
is very similar to the dyking program that we have just recently completed,

This program is not likely to provide any instant financing
for our drainage works as it will take time for the necessary studies
however, there is funding available and it would be worthwhile pursuing.

I believe all that I require at this point to make application
is a resolution of Council authorizing me to make applicatioa to the
Provincial Ministry of Agriculture to initiate a program of Drainage
improvements in the Agricultural Area.

od
Lee
oe

of, . ce
ee ge ne

LL.D. Pollock,
City Administrator.

LDP/al.